water changes

[springer]

When I do a 10 to 20% water change I really have no problems but when I do a 50% water change my discus seem to be stunned and not lively for about 2 hours I try to keep the tds and temp the same in my aging barrels and fill the tank slow to prevent a sudden water pressure change. Any ideas of this cause.

[LizStreithorst]

Do you age your water with an air stone and heater?

[Adam S]

Do you aerate or agitate the water? Is the pH in the tank different than the pH in the barrel? Reasonable changes in temp and tds won't phase most fish.

[springer]

I don't use a air stone in my barrels and I use tap water to heat it up but I use prime to counteract the tap water

[Adam S]

If you use a pump to transfer water to the tank, try letting the water circulate for a few hours. Better yet, let the water from the pump crash back down into the barrel so it's bubbly.

The issue probably isn't chlorine, rather change in pH and/or dissolved gasses.

[LizStreithorst]

You likely have a pH swing. If the swing is more than .3 it can cause the fish stress. Try adding an air stone and heater to your barrel for 24 hrs before WC. I do it that way and can do 100% WC without bothering the fish. Stability of the water is important.

[jeep]

The issue probably isn't chlorine, rather change in pH and/or dissolved gasses.

Exactly!! Especially this time of year, the water is colder and has more Co2. This can stress your discus and cause large ph swings. Using a pump or air stone to age your water should take care of this...

[springer]

Thanks everyone for the replies that makes a lot of sense it just slipped my mind I tried it and yes the air bubbler solved the problem thanks again

[Paul Sabucchi]

Glad the advice you have been given has proven helpful, now you can do HUGE water changes!